Surprises
Chapter 5
Mike smiled as Oliver jumped onto Maddie's bed. It was after ten am and he hated waking her up but he needed to get his day started and Oliver had been chomping at the bit to wake his mom up. Maddie laughed as soon as she woke up. She sat up and gave Oliver a kiss.
"Mommy, your face is all blue." Oliver remarked.
"It is a lot more bruised." Mike commented from the doorway.
"I'm okay." Maddie said.
"I borrowed some clothes from Kara Greene. They are on the dresser. Oliver, let's give your mom some privacy. You can help me with her pancakes." Mike said. He gave Oliver his hand and led him out into the living area.
"Daddy; is Mommy going to die?" Oliver asked as Mike lifted him onto the counter.
"No. Why would you think that?" Mike asked.
"Her face?" Oliver answered seriously.
"Son, your mommy isn't going to die from bruises and I am taking her to doctor to make her feel better." Mike said.
"And to buy her clothes?" Oliver asked.
"Yes, that too." Mike answered.
"I hope she stays here. I missed her." Oliver said.
"I know you did." Mike said as he mixed up the batter.
"And when she moves out, I'll go with her and visit you sometimes." Oliver remarked. Mike knew the little boy didn't understand what he said, but it still hurt.
"Just sometimes? I'll miss you." Mike remarked.
"You just found out about me. You'll be fine." Oliver answered.
"I doubt that." Mike said and turned away, wanting to hide the emotion. It was exactly what he was worried about. No matter how much he loved Oliver, he would never be the parent Oliver wanted. All he could do was be there and hope someday that Oliver might choose him. Just then, Maddie came out; freshly showered and wearing the borrowed clothes. They were still too big.
"Thanks for the clothes. They fit better." Maddie said.
"Still big though." Mike remarked.
"Mommy; when you move out, I am going with you. I'll visit Daddy sometimes though." Oliver said.
"We have to work all that out but we'll be here for awhile." Maddie told their son. It was a bit better and Mike handed her a plate of pancakes and sausage links.
"There you go." Mike said. She sat down at the island and began eating.
"Its very good. Thank you." Maddie said.
"Daddy makes good pancakes. Not as good as yours though." Oliver remarked.
"Excuse me for just a moment." Mike said before leaving Maddie and Oliver. He was beginning to regret retiring, loving Oliver as deeply as he did, and giving up his entire life to take care of the little boy. No matter what he did, he would never have Oliver's love.
Maddie was ready when he came back out and he took Oliver to Kara, barely getting a hug from the little boy. He took her to the hospital, and as he suspected, there were cracked ribs, a broken wrist, a slight concussion and several bruises. He was almost glad when the doctor said it would be awhile before she could find a job, because it meant Oliver would be with Mike longer.
Maddie was pretty non-committal on clothes but Mike had figured out her sizes so he could order online. He just would have to guess on style. Maybe Kara would help. By the time they got back, Oliver had eaten supper and Mike grilled him and Maddie steaks and vegetable and wondered how he was going to handle Oliver. He wondered if he could give the little boy the best of all worlds.